Ronald Lee Pope

Little Rock, IA Ronald Pope, age 83 of Little Rock, IA died Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, IA, with Reverend Scott Burdsall officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery at Little Rock, IA. Visitation will be Friday, December 12th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, IA. Ronald Lee Pope was born June 29, 1931 near Little Rock, IA to Leo and Edith Mae (Bramley) Pope. He grew up on his family's farm near Little Rock and received his education in Country School. He was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. On January 4, 1969 Ronald was united in marriage to Betty Kruse in their church. The young couple continued to farm in the area and eventually took over Betty's family farm which is now a Century Farm'. They have been there their entire married lives. Ron was a farmer through and through. He never really retired but he slowed down in 1998 due to health problems. Ron and Betty rented out their land from then on and Ron took great interest keeping up on what was going on with the farm. It was hard for Ron to give up farming and when it came Fair time he loved to go and check out all the newest tractors and combines and other equipment. He was a great gardener and enjoyed giving away his produce to family and friends. Ron also enjoyed country music and boating. His family was very important to him and although he never had children of his own, his nieces and nephews knew that he loved them very much. This past Sunday Ron passed away at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 83. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty Pope; nephews, Jeff Pope and special friend Paula of Anthon, IA, Mike (Kim) Pope of Anthon, IA and David (Kathy) Pope of Sergeant Bluff, IA; sister-in-law, Jean O'Brien of Hiawatha, IA; brothers-in-law, Dick (Evelyn) Kruse and Dale (Linda) Kruse all of Little Rock; cousins, Nancy (Terry) Moonen of Eden Prairie, MN and special cousin, Greg (Peggy) Kruger of Ellsworth, MN; and other extended family members. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Pope; sister-in-law, Mary Pope and brother-in-law, Dennis O'Brien; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Helmer and Emma Kruse.